Challenges Faced by Aaron Rodgers: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Aaron Rodgers faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Aaron Rodgers is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He previously played college football at the University of California, where he set school records for interception rates. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, Rodgers is widely considered one of the greatest and most talented quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 19, 2006: Broke Left Foot against the New England Patriots

On November 19, 2006, Aaron Rodgers broke his left foot while playing against the New England Patriots in a 35–0 defeat, filling in for an injured Favre, and Rodgers missed the remainder of the 2006 season.

2010: Start of the Season

In 2010, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 2–0 start, but then lost three of their next four games, including back-to-back overtime losses, bringing his record in overtime games to 0–5.

2014: Wild Card Round Loss

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs, where they lost to the 49ers 23–20 in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded only 177 yards passing, his lowest in a playoff game, and one touchdown pass.

2014: Re-injured Calf vs. Lions

In 2014, during the Week 17 game against the Lions, Aaron Rodgers re-injured his left calf while throwing a touchdown pass. Despite the injury, he returned to the game, leading the Packers to a 30-20 victory and their fourth straight NFC North title. He earned his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for the 2014 season.

2015: Statistical Drop

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers experienced a statistical drop, throwing for a career-low 3,821 yards despite playing at least 15 games. His completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating were also career lows. The absence of Jordy Nelson was considered a contributing factor.

2015: Struggles Continue

Throughout the first five games of the 2015 season, Aaron Rodgers's struggles appeared to continue. Through those games, he completed 60.2% of his passes, averaged 6.5 yards per attempt, and posted a passer rating of 88.4. He also fumbled five times, and lost two.

2016: Struggles Continue

Throughout the first five games of the 2016 season, Aaron Rodgers's struggles from the 2015 season appeared to continue. Through those games, he completed 60.2% of his passes, averaged 6.5 yards per attempt, and posted a passer rating of 88.4—all of which were similar to his 2015 numbers. He also fumbled five times, and lost two. His lackluster performance through those games caused much speculation about the causes of his problems.

December 18, 2018: Named to Pro Bowl

On December 18, 2018, Aaron Rodgers was named to his seventh Pro Bowl but declined the appearance due to injury, and was replaced by Russell Wilson.

2018: Placed Back on Injured Reserve

In 2018, after returning from injury and playing in Week 15 against the Panthers, Aaron Rodgers was placed back on injured reserve on December 19 after the Packers were eliminated from playoff contention. He was ranked No. 10 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

2020: Playoff Loss

In 2020, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers won against the Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the playoffs but lost to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The loss marked Rodgers' third consecutive NFC Championship loss. He was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

2023: Most Interceptions Thrown in a Season

As of the 2023 season, Aaron Rodgers passed for 4,038 yards in his first season as a starter. It stands as the most interceptions he has thrown in a season.